By Lauren Beavis
A “remarkable” tree fossil has been discovered – which reveals the “English Riviera” Devon coast was once a volcanic island covered in palm trees.
The 377 million-year-old fossil was discovered by Dr. Kevin Page during a survey of Saltern Cove near Paignton – is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of the UNESCO Global Geopark.
Torbay Council say the fossils, identified as pieces of roots and bark belonging to primitive trees known as “lycopsids,” provide a unique glimpse into the ancient landscape of the Devon town.
The council explained lycopsids looked like palm trees and were the ancestors of giant trees that once contributed to coal formation. They were believed to have reached heights of just four meters.
The discovery, which has been deemed a “remarkable find,” has sparked excitement among the scientific community.
Dr. Page, President of ProGEO and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, said: “These fossils are incredibly significant as they provide valuable insights into the prehistoric environment of Torbay, including the presence of volcanic islands with trees growing on them.
“This could potentially be the first record of a Devonian desert island with trees, a truly remarkable find.”
Melanie Border, Geopark Coordinator, added the team are ‘incredibly excited’ about the fossil discovery because it opens a ‘new chapter’ of changing environments and conditions at the site.
She explained: “To date our Devonian age rocks have only provided evidence of a marine environment but it’s very exciting to think we now have evidence of volcanic islands and trees too.
“It opens a new chapter of changing environments and conditions for us and highlights the importance of preserving and studying our natural heritage.
“The recovery has been a brilliant collaborative effort between the Universities, Natural England, Torbay Council, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, SWISCo, Hi-Line, and Waterside Holiday Park who allowed us to park and access the coast through their site.
“I am extremely grateful for the help and support provided and would like to express a huge thank you to all involved.”
